Giving Season: How to Donate Wisely and Vet a Charity

The end of the year has a way of bringing out the best in our community. Families gather, neighbors check in on one another, and many of us look for ways to support the causes closest to our hearts. Giving season is a wonderful tradition. It is also a busy time for scammers who count on generosity and urgency to slip past our usual caution. At Nova UA Federal Credit Union, we want your donations to reach the people and causes you care about, so here is a plain guide to giving wisely.

Start by verifying the charity

Before you give, take a few minutes to confirm the organization is real and in good standing. A little checking goes a long way, and reputable charities are happy to be looked up. A few trusted, free tools make this easy:

• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. This official database confirms whether a group is a registered tax-exempt organization and whether donations to it may be tax deductible.
• Charity Navigator. An independent evaluator that rates many charities on how they use their funds and how transparent they are.
• Candid (formerly GuideStar). A large source of nonprofit profiles, financial filings, and background details.

If a group you have never heard of cannot be found in any of these places, treat that as a reason to pause and ask more questions.

Give directly, not through a pressured link or call

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to control how you give. Rather than clicking a link in an unexpected text or email, or reading your card number to someone who called you, go straight to the charity's own website by typing the address yourself. Genuine organizations welcome your support any day of the year. High pressure tactics, a demand to act this very minute, or a request to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency are all classic warning signs. A real charity will never insist on those.

Keep records for your own reference

Good record keeping helps at tax time and gives you a clear picture of your giving. Save receipts and confirmation emails, and note the date, the amount, and the organization for each gift. Paying by a traceable method such as a check or a card also creates a record and makes it easier to spot anything that looks wrong on your statement. If you like to give throughout the year, you can set up a recurring transfer from your Nova UA savings account to a dedicated giving fund, so your generosity is planned rather than rushed.

Be cautious with unfamiliar crowdfunding

Crowdfunding can do real good, especially after a hardship or a local emergency. It also carries less oversight than a registered charity, so a little extra care is wise. Look closely at who created the campaign, how well you know them, and how the funds will be used. When you can, give to campaigns organized by people or groups you recognize. If a story tugs hard at your emotions but the details are thin, it is fine to slow down and verify before you give.

We are here to help you give with confidence

Supporting our community is part of who we are, and we want your giving to feel as good as it should. If a donation request seems off, or you notice a charge you do not recognize, talk to our member services and we will help you sort it out. Not a member yet and want a trusted home for your everyday banking and your giving plans? You can become a member with a Social Security number or ITIN, since Nova UA welcomes both.

FAQs

How can I tell if a charity is legitimate?

Look it up in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, Charity Navigator, or Candid. A real organization will appear in these sources and will not pressure you to give immediately or pay in unusual ways.

Is it safe to donate through crowdfunding?

It can be, but crowdfunding has less oversight than a registered charity. Favor campaigns run by people or groups you know, check how the funds will be used, and slow down if the details are unclear.

Why should I keep records of my donations?

Records help at tax time and let you review your giving. Save receipts and confirmations, note the date and amount, and use traceable payment methods so any error is easy to spot.

What should I do if I think a donation request is a scam?

Do not click links or share card details. Reach out to the charity directly through its official website, and talk to our member services if you spot a suspicious charge on your account.